Ingredients |
Protein powder with milk proteins
Source of protein (not only) for athletes
Milk proteins are a versatile source of protein for the development of high-quality protein powders and dietary supplements. They combine two different protein fractions, thereby offering interesting possibilities for sports nutrition, high-protein shakes and other nutritional concepts.
But what exactly is milk protein? How does it differ from whey protein and casein? And which properties are crucial when developing a protein powder?
As a contract manufacturer of dietary supplements, Biohealth supports you and your brand in developing bespoke protein powder concepts – tailored to your target audience, formulation and desired product properties.
What are milk proteins?
Milk protein refers to the protein contained in milk. Cow’s milk contains, on average, around 3.3 to 3.5 per cent protein. This consists mainly of two groups: caseins and whey proteins.
In cow’s milk, caseins account for approximately 80 per cent of the milk protein and whey proteins for around 20 per cent. Both protein fractions provide essential amino acids, but differ in their structure, properties and digestibility.
Milk protein powder is often produced from skimmed milk. In this process, the protein components are concentrated using filtration methods and then dried. The result is a powdered raw material suitable for various food and dietary supplement applications. The exact composition depends on the raw material used and the manufacturing process.
What protein fractions does milk protein contain?
Casein: approximately 80 per cent of milk protein
Casein makes up the largest proportion of the protein in cow’s milk. In milk, it is predominantly present in the form of casein micelles and is broken down more slowly in the digestive tract than whey protein. This property makes casein an interesting source of protein for dietary plans where a sustained release of amino acids is desired.
Whey protein: approximately 20 per cent of the protein in milk
Whey proteins, also known simply as ‘whey’, make up the smaller proportion of milk protein. They are characterised by their comparatively rapid digestion and their balanced profile of essential amino acids. They are used, amongst other things, in sports nutrition products and protein shakes.
The combination of these two fractions makes milk protein a versatile ingredient for a range of protein powder formulations.
Possible applications of different types of protein
Not all proteins are the same. This does not only refer to the differences between vegetable and animal proteins. Whey and casein also differ in their effect as milk proteins and have many different applications. As a private label manufacturer of sports nutrition, we therefore use certain protein compositions in a protein shake and a different one for diet products in the weight management sector.
Proteins are used in many places:
- in cheese
- in yoghurt
- in energy bars
- in drinks
- in meat
- as a functional ingredient for stabilizing emulsions
- for the production of fat enrichments
- for toppings and foaming agents
Milk and whey proteins are often used in Biohealth protein shakes or meal replacement products due to their good organic metabolism. Proteins therefore contribute to maintaining and increasing muscle mass. However, Biohealth also has protein shakes with vegetable proteins for muscle building, for example from soy, pea or rice in its range. These are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Whey protein vs. milk protein
What is the difference?
Milk protein and whey protein are often compared. The main difference lies in their composition: whilst milk protein contains both casein and whey protein, whey protein consists predominantly of the whey protein fraction of milk.
This results in differences in terms of protein composition, digestion and potential application properties.
Your benefits of working with Biohealth
Which protein combination is the right one for your target group? We will be happy to provide you with advice and support directly and personally in order to forge the ideal plan for your success. From product conception to delivery: rely on our experience and expertise.